LING6030
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course will provide students with psychological, sociological and linguistic perspectives on the acquisition of a second language, with particular emphasis on English as a Second/Foreign language.
Availability
Not currently offered.
This Course was last offered in Semester 2 - 2023.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe the psychological and social processes underlying acquisition and use of a second language;
2. Recognise the contribution to SLA of prior linguistic knowledge ("transfer" from native language; linguistic universals);
3. Identify and classify learner errors and evaluate the significance of errors;
4. Recognise the major theoretical positions in SLA;
5. Critically appraise relevant literature and formulate and effectively communicate own ideas.
Content
Topics to be covered include:
- The learning process - theories of language learning; differences between first and second language learning
- The learning environment - sociolinguistic factors affecting language acquisition
- What makes a "good" language learner - psychological, attitudinal and maturational factors; Krashen's "monitor"; the "critical period" hypothesis
- The input - role of linguistic universals, first language, target language
- The nature of the output - approximation to target (error analysis) vs developing system (interlanguage); acquisition order, development stages
Assumed knowledge
Foundations of Linguistics (LING6910) or equivalent.
Assessment items
Professional Task: Error Analysis
Presentation: Audio-Visual Presentation
Essay: Written Assignment
Course outline
- LING6030 - Semester 2, 2023 (All) (PDF, 185.2 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.